These things are actually good for your heart
Here are a few foods and beverages to help you cut cholesterol
High
cholesterol leads to stroke and other heart ailments and it is said to
be one of the major causes of deaths in the U.S. High cholesterol levels
lead to numerous deaths globally every year and the risk of heart
diseases is twice in people with high cholesterol levels compared to
those who have lower levels.
You
can keep your cholesterol levels under control by taking care of your
diet. Here are some foods and beverages, which naturally lower your
cholesterol levels and boost your heart's health.
1.Fish
Fish
provides you with Omega-3 fatty acids in abundance, which has various
health benefits. Omega-3 aids in triggering good cholesterol (HDL) level
in your body. HDL performs the function of streaming through the body
and removing the bad cholesterol (LDL) accumulated in unwanted parts of
the body. Unlike LDL, HDL helps in lowering heart ailment risks.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) fatty fish like salmon
should be consumed twice a week. Also, fish like tuna, sardines and
mackerel can be eaten for the heart health benefits.
2. Green tea
Consumption
of 10 cups of green tea is said to have a significant impact in
lowering the bad cholesterol (LDL) from the blood. Apart from this,
green tea is also known to provide you with high doses of antioxidants.
3. Apple
Next
time you munch on an apple make sure you do it with the skin intact.
Its skin contains a soluble fibre called pectin, which pushes bad
cholesterol out of the body through the digestive system. The soluble
fibre pectin is also found in the pulp of citrus fruits. Hence, prefer
having fibrous fruits instead of juices.
4. Beans
Apart
from being a great source of protein, beans also contains soluble
fibre, which helps in lowering the cholesterol levels. You could
substitute meat with beans in your diet and enjoy its health benefits.
5. Red wine
Consumption
of red wine in moderation provides you with many health benefits, and
raising the HDL or good cholesterol level is one of them. A study
revealed that it reduces LDL or bad cholesterol after a few months if
consumed daily in moderate quantities. It also helps in keeping the
blood vessels healthy with the help of antioxidants called poly-phenols
which is present in it.
6. Nuts
Nuts
like walnuts, pecans and pistachios contain fibres, minerals, vitamins
and even monosaturated fats, which is good for the heart. Nuts help in
deducting the level of both good and bad cholesterol. Nuts consist of a
compound called plant sterols, which prevents the cholesterol consumed
by us from entering the bloodstream.
7. Garlic
Garlic
is a super food, which helps in cutting down the cholesterol levels. A
research revealed that garlic extract prevented the secretion of
cholesterol by the liver and is also said to lower the blood pressure
apart from boosting heart health. Garlic also helps in strengthening
your bones.
8.Dark Chocolate
Dark
chocolate consists of antioxidants called flavonoids, which help in
depleting the cholesterol level from the heart. The presence of these
antioxidants is more in dark chocolate compared to milk chocolate and
white chocolate. Dark chocolate should be consumed in tiny amounts in
order to enjoy its health benefits.
Apart
from adding these foods and drinks to your diet, make sure you visit
your doctor for regular heart check ups and also workout in order to
stay fit and increase the longevity of life. Make sure you don't consume
junk or oily foods in excessive quantities.
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